Corey Becker said Hanover's Black Rose Rollers support her and the community.

Three back surgeries and occasional leg numbness couldn't stop Corey Becker from going into the skating rink as a member of the Black Rose Rollers, Hanover's women's flat track roller derby league.

The symptoms - numbness, burning and pain - started in high school, Becker said. The pain has been so terrible that she was unable to push the gas pedal in the car.

The 26-year-old Red Lion resident has a herniated disc, meaning a portion of the disc pushed outward between the vertebrae. The hereditary condition causes pressure on nerves in the spinal cord and legs, and Becker often loses feeling in her legs and feet.

But she has always felt the need to be physically fit, regardless of her condition. She saw an advertisement for the Black Rose Rollers and decided to go see what the group was about. And after meeting the group for the first time, she was addicted.

"I needed to be a part of something," Becker said. "I needed something new in my life."

Becker joined the roller derby league in February 2011, just a few months before her third back surgery - a spinal fusion that took her out of the rink for six months. But when her doctor told her she could skate again, she dedicated all her time to it.

During the first two surgeries, doctors removed a portion of the disc protrusions. The third surgery - the most intense - replaced the discs with a metal cage that fuses with Becker's vertebrae.

"I came back with vengeance," she said.

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For that reason, Becker, whose roller derby name is "Rot-N 2 The Cor-E," was awarded Most Dedicated and Most Improved for the 2012 season. Becker said she was surprised she won both awards, even though she practiced for several hours a day to improve her skating after the surgery. Her dedication earned her a spot on the A-team this season.

And her teammates were always supportive, she said, cheering her on and giving her words of encouragement. All 50 women on the team are a positive influence, raising her confidence, she said.

Becker also serves as the public relations chair of the team. She is in charge of advertising events, sending stories to local media and raise awareness for the group.

Although competing is fun, the service aspect of the group also appeals to Becker. The Black Rose Rollers have raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the SPCA. Funds have also been raised for specific community members.
And the team is always looking to help those in need, Becker said.

Upcoming events

What: Anti-Valentine's Day Party with Cledus Snow Mothertruckers

When: Feb. 16 at 8 p.m.

Where: A Taste of Bourbon at 1080 Carlisle Street

Cost: $3

More events

What: We Fight For Family: Eat Your Heart Out For Charity Charity Buffet

When: Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: A Taste of Bourbon at 1080 Carlisle Street

Cost: $10 per person, $5 for 8-12 year olds, free for kids 7 and under